Observation from today, Seahawks win 42-21

I’m back home, and on kid duty until they turn in for the night, but managing to sneak in a little blogging during bath time.

Fun game all around. It was great to see the Hawks leave no doubt they are the best in their division and a contender in the NFC.

Quick thoughts:

On of the best receiving games in Hawks history. Three of the four TD receptions were fantastic plays by the receiver. Engram’s is one of the best TD catches I’ve seen from a Hawk ever. Amazing concentration on that one. Pollard’s strength and focus was amazing. Branch followed up a great sideline grab with a perfectly timed TD along the endline. I don’t think a ball hit the turf in the first half except when Matt was throwing it away.

We now have 11 INTs in the past 3 games. E-l-e-v-e-n.

I just noticed our defense was holding opposing QBs to the lowest QB rating in the NFL heading *into* this game (68.5). That’s worth highlighting. I haven’t heard that anywhere.

They have 15 sacks in the last 4 games (Kearney has 9 of them)

With 13.5 sacks, Kearney is now only 3 sacks away from Michael Sinclair’s team sack records of 16.5. With 13.5 sacks, 3 FF and an INT, Kearney now needs to be mentioned as an NFC Defensive Player of the Year.

Holmgren haters should stay in their holes today. That guy deserves nothing but praise for taking a perennial loser and turning them into a 5-time division champ during his watch (don’t forget his first year in the AFC West).

Shaun haters should stay in their hole as well. I was appalled to hear boos on the first possession. Are you kidding me? We’re trying to clinch the division, and you start booing? I thought Shaun played well when given the chance today, but that’s not even the point. Stop the buzz kill crap, and support your team…your whole team (except Plackemeier).

Matt was outstanding again. Outstanding.

Pass protection was great. The one sack they gave up was on Matt when he just ran into the line. Not sure what he was doing there.

What can you say about Tru that hasn’t already been said today? When is the last time the Hawks had back-t0-back games where a player had 3 picks?

Play of the day was the Trufant pick after the Cards recovered the onsides kick. Huge play.

Worst play of the day was giving up that onsides kick. Wake up! That’s at least the fourth time that’s been tried against us, and two have worked. I was sitting there in the stands saying, “watch for the onsides kick,” and I’m not paid a cent to look for that.

Good to have Scooby back on special teams. That guy was our special teams captain heading into last season, so he’s a difference maker. Teaming him with Niko and Herring will pay some dividends (and already has)

The Weaver screen was a great call.

Jennings had another nice game. He’s a key part of this secondary solidifying. I would not be shocked to see him get a pick in the coming weeks.

DE Howard Green (#94) got the first snaps I’ve seen of him this season. Big fella, and played roughly 30% of the snaps. He looks like he could help out against the run.

Larry Fitzgerald is going to be a Hall of Famer if he stays healthy. That kid plucks the ball out of the air better than any WR I’ve ever watched. It’s like his hands form a black hole and suck all matter into them. (Yes, I’m a geek)

Hawks are now +13 in giveaway/takeaway. Best in the NFC, and near the top of the NFL

This was Hasselbeck’s best game in terms of QB rating this season (131.6)

I don’t think we have any chance at the 2nd seed, so staying healthy is now our #1 goal. I need to now figure out what needs to happen so that we don’t have to play the Vikings in the first round.